DNR finds fungus harmful to bats in 2 parks

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Aug 9, 2013 at 1:45 pm

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — A fungus that can pose threats to bats has been detected in two Minnesota state parks.

The Department of Natural Resources said Friday that the fungus can lead to white-nose syndrome, which is devastating to bats. The fungus was detected in a cave at the Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park in southern Minnesota and at the Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northern Minnesota.

A news release said the syndrome itself hasn't been found among the bat population, but the fungus that can lead to it was found on four bats.

The agency says the disease isn't known to pose a threat to humans, pets, livestock or other wildlife.